The Yellowknife Farmers Market (YKFM) initiated its Waste Reduction and Compost Program in 2015 to deal with the waste generated at its weekly markets.

One of the ways the YKFM encourages waste reduction is by making it mandatory for all vendors to use compostable packaging, and to encourage the public to use the compost bins. The program had a significant impact on the waste generated at the market. For example, in 2016 and 2017, 75% and 86% of waste was diverted from the landfill into the municipal compost program.

However, in reduce, reuse, and recycle, reduction is the top priority. The long-term goal of YKFM is to reduce waste overall and not to simply divert it. One of the projects the YKFM is working on is the implementation of a reusable container rental program.